OPENING OF PARLIAMENT.

Globe, Volume VIII, Issue 957, 19 July 1877, Page 2

OPENING OF PARLIAMENT.

[By Telegraph.]

[Pee Peess Agency.] Wellington, July 19,

The second session of the sixth Parliament was opened by the Governor to-day. The following is the speech:— Honorable Legislative Councillors and Gentlemen oe the House of Representatives —

I have recourse to your advice and assistance. On this occasion it gives me pleasure to be able to congratulate you upon the progress which has been made during the past year, in the development of the resources of the colony, upon the prosperous condition of its chief industries, agricultural, pastoral, and mining, and upon our continually improving relations with the Native people. During the recess I had much pleasure in visiting a large portion of the South Island, and it was most gratifying to me to witness the indications of progress and advancement which presented themselves to me, and to observe the spread of industry, energy, and independence, which was evinced by the inhabitants, who on all sides expressed to me their loyalty and affection towards Her Majesty, and their confident anticipation as to the' future prosperity and welfare of the colony. You will, I feel assured, recognise with me the loss which ray Government and the colony have sustained in the lamented death of Sir Donald M‘Lean, who for more than seven years filled the office of Native Minister. His devotion to the duties of his office, his knowledge of the Native language and character, his generosity and large heartedness, his tact in dealing with individuals as well as with masses, secured to him an influence over the Maori people, which he exercised unceasingly to promote their welfare and advancement, to maintain peace, and bring about that reconciliation between the races which he so earnestly desired to accomplish. Since the prorogation in October last, the administrative changes, caused by the coming into operation of the Abolition of Provinces Act, and those rendered necessary by the legistation of last session, have occupied the attention of my Government, and it is subject for congratulation that changes so large have been effected with so little public inconvenience, and without disturbance of ordinary administrative routine throughout the colony. This satisfactory result, I am advised, is greatly owing to the loyal assistance and exertion of those gentlemen, members of the Assembly, who, in the respective provincial districts, consented to hold, temporarily, the honorary and responsible positions of Executive Officers.

Captain Campbell Walker, of her Majesty’s Staff Corps, and Deputy Commissioner of Forests in Madras, who accepted for a specified period the appointment of Conservator under the New Zealand Forests Act, 1874, has concluded his labours, and furnished an instructive and interesting report, which will be laid before you. Gentlemen of the House of Representatives —

The estimates for the Colonial Service have been prepared, and will be laid before you. They have been carefully framed, with a view to securing as much economy as is found to be consistent with complete efficiency in the several departments. You will be glad to learn that experience continues to show, with growing distinctness, the benefits which the colony derives, as well in the form of increasing revenue as otherwise, from its system of public works. Further papers relative to the negotiations and measures for the inscription of our colonial stock by the Bank of England will be presented to you. Honorable Legislative Councillors and Gentlemen op the House op Representatives.

In the working of the Counties Act some defects have been discovered, for the remedying of which legislation will be necessary. A mongst the measures proposed to be sub--r>ur considerat ion will be found, a mitted for - and better provision for Bill to make further . Bill which Education in this colony ; a - - existing will to some extent consolidate tins law, and will afford greater facilities for l—acquisition of land for cultivation and settlement ; a Native Land Bill; and a Mining Bill, to consolidate and amend the existing laws relating to our goldfields. I commit to your grave consideration the business of the session, and I pray that the Almighty will so guide and order your deliberations, that they may be productive of happiness and prosperity to the people of New Zealand.